Robotics and Prosthetics

Robotics and Prosthetics

Joshua Conrad

11/7/2010

Greetings-
                I'm looking forward to applying to an Orthotics and Prosthetics
program next year and enthused about future work in the field. One of the
continuing questions that I've been trying to look into is how robotics and
digital technology will affect the future roles for prosthetists. It seems that
we are emerging into a nearer potential for technology to be integrated into the
development of artificial limbs; because the prosthetist has traditionally been
the key clinician and creator of prosthesis--new technology will require an
increasingly specialized skill set focusing on mechanical and digital aptitudes.
My on-line inquiry have yielded a number of research sites devoted to the
development of technology, but I have found very little dialog on how this
might affect the prosthetics field. Can you point me towards some of this
discussion?
          I am very interested in all aspects of the orthotics and prosethics
scope of practice, including the creation of the prosthesis itself. I believe
that technology will offer amazing opportunities for mobility and function, but
my concern is that the role of the prosthetist will dramatically shift because
limbs requiring sophisticated technology will have to be sent out to
specialized manufacturers rather than being created by the practitioner.

                                                                                
                                                                               
   Thanks for your help- Sincerely;
                                                                                
                                                                                 
            Joshua Conrad